Sydney: Harry Redknapp is aware his Jordan side cannot afford a slow start on Tuesday when they face off against Australia in a decisive 2018 FIFA World Cup/2019 AFC Asian Cup joint-qualifier at the Sydney Football Stadium.
With one game left to go, the Jordanians currently trail leaders Australia by two points and victory would be enough for them to seal top spot, and advance to the next round of World Cup qualifiers as well as book their place at the 2019 Asian Cup.
Jordan were victorious in the earlier meeting between the two sides after recording a 2-0 triumph in Amman last October, and also warmed up for the upcoming clash with a resounding 8-0 win over Bangladesh on Thursday.
Nonetheless, the Socceroos were in equally dominant form after beating Tajikistan 7-0 at the Adelaide Oval, and Redknapp (pictured) is expecting a real enticing clash on Tuesday.
“We know it’s going to be a much tougher game in Australia,” said Redknapp after arriving at the airport, according to Sydney Morning Herald. “We understand that.
“It’s got the makings of a real good game. We need to win, so we’ve got to be going for it.
“We’ll have to start well because (there will) be a big crowd, great atmosphere.
“And we’ve got to make sure we come out as ready as we were to compete (against Bangladesh) and play the way we played.”
The former Tottenham manager was only contracted to take charge of Jordan for the qualifiers against Bangladesh and Australia as a favour to his friend Prince Ali bin Hussein, president of the Jordan Football Association.
However, he refused to rule possibly extending his stint, adding: “I’ve enjoyed it obviously, but I don’t know about the future.
“I only came for two games, that was what I did with Prince Ali.
“I’m (advisor) at Derby at the moment so as soon as I get back from here I go straight to Derby.
“We play Cardiff away on Saturday, it’s a big game for us… I just want to get a great result for Jordan and go from there.”
Redknapp will be coming up against a familiar face on Tuesday in the form of Socceroos midfielder Massimo Luongo, who he handed a professional debut to back when they were both at Spurs in 2011.
Photo: AFP
Source: the-afc.com